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Delaware Fit Factory

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January 19, 2026

The Best Stretches to Do Before Bed

A good night’s sleep is one of the most powerful tools for recovery, stress management, and overall health. Yet many people head straight from a busy, overstimulating day into bed without giving their body or mind a chance to wind down.

A short, simple stretching routine before bed can make a big difference.

Gentle stretching helps relax tight muscles, calm your nervous system, and prepare your body for deeper, more restorative sleep. Here are some of the best stretches to do before bed—and why they work.

1. Seated or Supine Hamstring Stretch

Tight hamstrings can contribute to lower back discomfort and stiffness, especially if you sit a lot during the day.

How to do it:

  • Sit or lie on your back
  • Extend one leg and gently reach toward your toes
  • Keep your back relaxed
  • Hold for 30–60 seconds per side

This stretch helps release tension in the back of the legs and promotes a more relaxed posture for sleep.

2. Hip Flexor Stretch (aka Samson Lunge)

Long hours of sitting can tighten the hips, which may lead to lower back tension and poor movement patterns.

How to do it:

  • Step one foot forward into a gentle lunge
  • Keep your torso tall
  • Shift your hips slightly forward
  • Hold for 30–60 seconds per side

This helps open the hips and reduce stiffness before bed.

3. Child’s Pose

This is a calming, full-body stretch that also encourages deep breathing.

How to do it:

  • Kneel on the floor
  • Sit back on your heels
  • Reach your arms forward
  • Rest your forehead down
  • Breathe slowly

Child’s Pose helps release tension in the back, shoulders, and hips while calming the nervous system.

4. Spinal Twist

Twists help relax the muscles around the spine and promote gentle mobility.

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back
  • Pull one knee across your body
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed
  • Hold for 30–60 seconds
  • Switch sides

This can ease lower back tightness and improve relaxation.

5. Neck and Shoulder Stretch

Stress often shows up in the neck and shoulders.

How to do it:

  • Gently tilt your head to one side
  • Hold for 20–30 seconds
  • Switch sides
  • Add slow shoulder rolls if needed

This helps reduce tension and headaches caused by stress or posture.

6. Deep Breathing with Legs Elevated

Sometimes the most important “stretch” is for your nervous system.

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back
  • Place your legs up a wall or on a chair
  • Close your eyes
  • Breathe slowly for 2–5 minutes

This position encourages relaxation, improves circulation, and helps your body shift into rest mode.

Why Nighttime Stretching Matters

Stretching before bed can:

  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Improve mobility
  • Lower stress levels
  • Support better sleep
  • Improve recovery from workouts

It doesn’t need to be long or intense. Even 5–10 minutes can make a noticeable difference.

Take It a Step Further with Yoga at DFF

If you want a guided, relaxing way to stretch, breathe, and unwind, our Yoga classes at Delaware Fit Factory are the perfect addition to your routine.

🧘‍♀️ Sundays at 9:00 AM

🧘‍♂️ Thursdays at 7:00 PM

Our yoga sessions focus on:

  • Mobility
  • Stress relief
  • Recovery
  • Mind-body connection

Whether you train hard, feel stiff, or just want to slow things down, yoga is a great way to support your fitness and your sleep.

Final Thoughts

Better sleep starts with better habits.

A few simple stretches before bed can help your body relax, recover, and reset for the next day.

And if you want support, structure, and a calming environment to move and breathe with intention, we’d love to see you in our yoga classes at DFF.

Your body will thank you — tonight and tomorrow.

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